M23 fighters, accompanied by Rwandan troops, have captured Bukavu in DR Congo amid widespread fear and minimal resistance. President Tshisekedi criticizes Rwanda’s expansionist ambitions and opts out of an AU summit to monitor developments. Civil unrest and humanitarian crises are escalating as nations call for a ceasefire to stabilize the region.
M23 fighters, supported by Rwandan troops, have entered Bukavu, the capital of DR Congo’s South Kivu province, according to security and humanitarian sources. The city, which has a population of around one million, encountered minimal resistance as the fighters seized the region’s primary airport. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi condemned Rwanda’s actions, describing them as an attempt at territorial expansion. Following these developments, Tshisekedi chose not to attend the upcoming African Union summit in Ethiopia to monitor the situation closely.
As M23 and Rwandan forces advanced, Bukavu’s shops closed and residents fled amid fears of escalating violence. Local civil groups urged Congolese troops to refrain from fighting in the populated city to avoid civilian casualties. The M23 group’s advancement has raised alarms over the potential for a broader regional conflict, with multiple neighboring nations and South African forces already deployed in the area.
The violence followed a brief lull earlier in the week, prompting African leaders to convene a crisis meeting to address the escalating tensions. Outgoing AU chair Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized the need for a ceasefire, stating, “Military campaigns are not going to solve these problems.” Meanwhile, Tshisekedi criticized Rwanda for the situation’s deterioration and called for international sanctions against Kigali, aiming to protect the region’s rich mineral resources from exploitation.
The DRC government accuses Rwanda of wanting to seize valuable natural resources such as rare earth minerals and gold. In response, Rwanda has asserted its need to ensure national security from armed groups like the FDLR, which formed post-genocide. Diplomatic tensions have escalated with both countries recalling their ambassadors and the DRC closing its airspace to Rwandan aircraft.
UN estimates report nearly 3,000 deaths due to the latest violence, while parts of Goma remain without basic necessities like water, compelling residents to obtain supplies from Lake Kivu amidst potential health risks. Humanitarian agencies have warned of an impending cholera outbreak, urging all parties to protect civilian infrastructure and facilitate humanitarian access.
As conflict intensifies, thousands have fled to overcrowded and perilous camps surrounding Goma. Burundi, overwhelmed by the influx of refugees from Goma and Bukavu, temporarily closed its borders. Residents report ongoing streams of Congolese crossing into Burundi, heightening concerns that war is encroaching on the region.
The situation in Bukavu, DR Congo, remains tenuous as M23 fighters and Rwandan troops have taken control with minimal resistance. Congolese President Tshisekedi has condemned Rwanda’s actions and urged for decisive international response. Meanwhile, humanitarian crises are intensifying with a significant toll on civilians as violence escalates. The need for a ceasefire and international intervention is increasingly evident as fears of a wider conflict grow.
Original Source: www.tiogapublishing.com
